Method and system for a computer-rendered three-dimensional mannequin

ABSTRACT

A system and method for displaying garments, including: a computer-rendered three-dimensional, rotatable model; and a size selection control for selecting different garment sizes to be displayed on the model.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/343,144,filed Dec. 23, 2008, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.11/627,549 filed Jan. 26, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,522,165, issued Apr.21, 2009, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/923,410filed Aug. 8, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,212,202, issued May 1, 2007,which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/329,995 filed Jun.11, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,404,426, issued Jun. 11, 2002. Theentirety of all above-listed applications are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of virtual reality,and more particularly, to the accurate rendering of a three-dimensionalmodel of a person wearing clothing and illustrating the fit and movementof the clothing.

2. Background of the Technology

Purchasers and potential purchasers of clothing items are able toconveniently preview clothing items displayed in a catalog, in retailstores, and in on-line catalogs. One of the frustrations of purchasers,however, is that clothing items when purchased and actually worn do notmeet the expectations developed by the catalog or in the dressing room.

Models in catalogs tend to be taller and thinner than most purchasers,thus developing high expectations for the garment appearance. A garmentworn by a person not having model-type proportions might look quitedifferent and might not be flattering. Moreover, a garment that isphotographed or tried on under studio or dressing room lights may havequite a different coloring and reflectivity in other settings, such asday light, candle light, office lighting, and so forth. A person'scoloring also affects whether a particular garment is appropriate.

Furthermore, the manner of photographing a garment, typically in a frontpose, does not demonstrate back and side fit, and the flow of thegarment in various activities. Fitting rooms attempt to solve theproblem of front, back and side views by using multiple mirrors. Evenso, observing the back view of one's self in a fitting room can beawkward. Fitting rooms obviously do not permit much testing of a garmentin an active activity situation, or observance of a garment from adistance. It is desirable, nevertheless, for a potential purchaser toobserve the reaction of the garment to activities such as walking,running, sitting, and so on.

Clothing purchased for a different person, such as a gift, cannot betried on before purchase. There is no practical way to preliminarilyascertain whether a particular garment will be flattering when worn andwhen in action.

3. Related Art

Various methods and systems for illustrating the look of a garment on aparticular person have been attempted. U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,222 to Cone,has attempted a “virtual dressing room”, in which a person'smeasurements are used to create a body data structure that representsthe person's figure, by adjusting a standard body data structure.Unfortunately, a garment is represented by a two-dimensional image ofthe garment worn by a physical mannequin; the garment is inaccurately“stretched” to approximate the adjusted body structure, rather thanrepresenting the actual garment.

An on-line clothing catalog by Land's End, available atwww.landsend.com, provides a two-dimensional, static representation of apersonalized model wearing clothing specified by the user. The static,two-dimensional nature of the model neither permits various viewpointsof the model during activity nor observation of the garment's reactionto the environment.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,527 to Kotaki et al., concerns the mesh mapping of asimulated knit garment (loop simulation image) on a virtual mannequin,for use in conjunction with designing knit garments. The loop simulationimage is dragged and distorted to fit over a scanned-in model of aperson. Thus, although Kotaki starts with an accurate representation ofa garment, the drawbacks of Cone are magnified in Kotaki. Additionally,Kotaki does not address the accurate representation of a person.

Other methods have attempted to compare garment measurements tostandardized or personalized sizes. For example, in U.S. Pat. No.5,530,652 to Croyle et al. a person and clothing are separately measuredby a machine vision system. The data can be used to determine whetherthe garments are within tolerances, or to determine the best size of aparticular piece of clothing for a person.

In a different field of application, computers have been used to studyfabric characteristics, such as friction and wear. For example, in U.S.Pat. No. 5,495,568 to Beavin, a three dimensional model moves, such asraising the arms, bending, walking or running, and the response of afabric model to motion, stretching and friction is evaluated. Computershave also been used to create and alter garment patterns to fit standardor individualized body measurements, as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,344 toCollins et al.

It is generally known in the field of computer graphics to manipulatethree-dimensional objects, including shape and texture (U.S. Pat. No.5,818,420 to Mitsumine et al.); to render three-dimensional objects intwo-dimensional space (U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,666 to Gilley et al.) andvice-versa (U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,476 to Kurashige et al.); to manipulatetwo-dimensional objects in three-dimensional space (U.S. Pat. No.5,729,673 to Cooper et al.); and to move or animate three-dimensionalobjects (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,665 to Sugiura et al.; U.S. Pat. No.5,577,175 to Naka et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,630 to Unuma et al.).

Thus, there remains a need for a straightforward way for someone to viewon a computer screen how a particular garment will look and flow on aparticular person and/or in a particular setting. Further, there remainsa need for accuracy in rendering such modeled garments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a screen showing a personalizedcomputer-rendered model of a person, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a portion of a screen showing acomputer-rendered model of a person prior to personalization, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3. is a block diagram showing the model database and virtualgarment database, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the model database, virtual garmentdatabase, and environment database in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a portion of a screen showing apersonalized computer-rendered model of a person, showing rotation ofthe model, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the computer-renderedthree-dimensional mannequin utilized in an on-line catalog applicationaccessible over the Internet, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the personalized computer-rendered model ofa person, with action, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the personalized computer-rendered model ofa person, with a specified action/environment, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 9A-B are an illustration of the personalized computer-renderedmodel of a person in a specified action/environment, with varying cameraangles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is made to FIG. 1, illustrating a personalized,computer-rendered three-dimensional model of a person 1 wearing agarment 3. The model is provided with a rotational control 5. The userinterface provides for a size selection control 7, a proportionselection control 9 and a clothing selection control 21. Further, theuser interface provides for a motion selection control 11, anaction/environment selection control 13, and controls for selection ofskin tone, hair color, and hair length 15, 17, 19.

In the preferred embodiment, the computer model 1 of a person isrendered by any appropriate computer software for creating anddisplaying three-dimensional models. Preferably such software initiallycreates the model based on measurements and accurately depicts thesizing and proportion of the subject person. Alternatively, the model 1may be based on standard sizes. It is advantageous for the computermodel to be stored as a mesh database, further described below. Oneappropriate software package is sold by Autodesk® of San Rafael, Calif.under the trademark 3D Studio Max®.

Similarly, the garment 3 is rendered by appropriate computer softwarefor creating three-dimensional models, preferably based on accuratemeasurements of the garment. Moreover, such software preferably takesinto consideration garment qualities such as fabric drape, flow, andreflectivity. Advantageously, garment information may be stored in meshformat. Where the garments are sold in various sizes, a measurement of agarment of each size should be taken, and separate information on eachgarment size should be stored. An appropriate package for creating anddisplaying such mesh databases is sold under the aforementionedtrademark 3D Studio Max®.

The rotational control 5 is provided, so that the user may rotate thecomputer model 1 to observe different aspects of the garment 3 as wornby the model 1. Here, the rotational control is provided in a verticalaxis, to simulate a person turning left or right. Preferably, therotational control provides full rotation of the model about thevertical axis in accordance with traditional animation principals. Therotational control is illustrated as a double arrow; it will beappreciated that there are many other methods for allowing a user tocontrol rotation.

The size selection control 7 is provided so that the user may specifythe overall size of the model 1 and garment 3. In the illustratedembodiment, the size options are small, medium, and large. A finergranularity may be applied, if desired, for example to select a fullrange of standard women's dress sizes.

Since most individuals are not perfect fits for standardized sizes, theproportion selection control 9 is provided so that the user mayfine-tune proportions. Advantageously, it is the most significantproportions, in terms of garment fit and appearance, that may bemodified by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the proportionselection control 9 allows selection of cup size A, B, C, or D. The cupsize proportion selection is particularly suitable in connection withhigh-end designer clothing and lingerie applications. It may bedesirable in other applications to include additional or alternativeproportion selections, such as hips, derriere, waist, etc. Notably, thesuggested and preferred proportion selection and its effect on thegarment 3 may be observed in the rotated appearance of the model 1 in athree-dimensional aspect, rather than a rotated 2-dimensional aspect.

The static appearance of the garment does not tell the complete story ofthe garment's ornamental appearance. Contributing to the appearance isthe flow of the garment in reaction to motion. For example, somegarments provide for limited stride other garments provide for dramaticcontrast between back and front necklines; still other garments providefor fluttering hemlines, etc. Therefore, the motion selection control 11is provided to place the model 1 in motion. In the simplest version, themotion selection control 11 places the model 1 in an abbreviated runwaydemonstration, that is, the model takes several paces forward, turns,and returns. More elaborate motion control could be provided if desired.For example, other patterns of motion could be provided. Alternatively,motion could be provided specific to a garment, in order to highlightcertain features of a garment that might otherwise remain unobserved.

To further illustrate features of the garments, there is provided anaction/environment selection control 13. This control places the model 1into action in a specific environment. In the preferred embodiment,there is provided for each garment 3 a specific pattern of action forthe model and environment that is displayed when the user selects theaction/environment selection control 13. For example, when clothingcontrol 21 specifies “suit”, the computer determines that the model 1 isdisplayed with the suit 3, and the corresponding action/environment“discotech” is displayed. This particular action/environment providesnumerous bright lights, such as would occur in a discotech; the model 1strides in a pattern about the virtual discotech, while modeling thegarment, in three dimensions. The action/environment illustrates theresponse of the garment to particular activity, such as stretching,fluttering, flow, highlights, sheerness, etc. Moreover, theaction/environment permits the garment 3 to be illustrated in a settingdesigned to evoke a mood appropriate to the particular garment 3.

Preferably, additional controls are provided to permit adjustments totailor the model's appearance to closely resemble a particular person.Such appearance controls advantageously include the skin tone selectioncontrol 15; the hair color selection control 17; and the hair lengthcontrol 19. The skin tone selection control 15 allows the user to selectone of a variety of skin tones and to apply the skin tone to the model1. In the embodiment, the skin tones include none (a neutral gray),light, olive and dark. Of course, additional or fewer skin tones couldbe provided. The hair color control 17 similarly allows the user toselect one of several hair colors and to apply the hair color to themodel. In the preferred embodiment, the hair colors include blond,brunette and red; alternative or additional colors could be provided.The preferred embodiment also provides for selection of hair length viathe hair length control 19. Here, two hair lengths are provided—short orlong. Additional lengths or hair styles could be provided changing atexture. It will be appreciated that other controls could be provided totailor the model's appearance, such as eye color and hair style; or thatthe controls could provide many more choices of hair color, for example.

The clothing selection control 21 provides the ability for the user toselect one of several garments 3 which the model 1 will “wear”. Thepreferred embodiment provides for a selection of no clothing, a suit ora dress as a selected garment 3. When the user selects a garment listedin the clothing selection control 21, the garment 3 is displayed on themodel 1 as follows. The vertice information is stored in a meshdatabase. The set of garments from which a user may select shouldcorrespond to the garments available in a garment database, discussed ingreater detail below. Where there are provided numerous garments in thegarment database, the user interface may become more elaborate to permitselection of a particular garment, in accordance with known techniques.Further, it is possible for the user to select a combination of garmentsfor the model 1 to “wear”, for example, a skirt and blouse combination.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a portion of a screen showing acomputer-rendered model 1 of a person prior to personalization. In thepreferred embodiment, the model 1 may be provided with facial features,e.g., neutral or highly stylized. Further, the model 1 is illustrated ina neutral stance, preferably blocked at an angle to the viewer with armsand legs comfortably spaced to permit viewing of the garment 3 (notillustrated). When rotated by the rotational control 5, the model 1 inthe preferred neutral stance will rotate about the vertical axis x.Alternative axes are, of course, possible. The model 1 may be providedwith neutral or realistic anatomic features as preferred in accordancewith standard practice in this field. It is important that the model bethree-dimensional and rotatable, so that the fit and appearance of theclothing may be observed from all angles.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the model database 31 and virtualgarment database 33 resident on a host computer 37. The model database31 and garment database 33 should be capable of supporting an accuratethree-dimensional rendering preferably one that may be readily rotatedand support altered environments. The data for the model database 31 ispreferably selected as the designer desires, preferably to resemble areasonably neutral figure which proportions would be acceptable as abase figure from where the proportions can be adjusted. In the preferredembodiment, the model 1 is stored in a model database 31 as mesh data.In order to provide adjustable size and proportions, the model database31 stores mesh data corresponding to each adjustable size. For example,in the illustrated embodiment, the model database 31 stores the entiremesh data for a small model 1, a medium model 1, and a large model 1.The various proportions selected by the proportion control are stored asmesh data for the affected body part only; the mesh data for theproportion is blended to the mesh data for the model when selected bythe user. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the model database31 also stores the proportion mesh data for cup sizes A, B, C, and D.

Similarly, the garment database 33 is preferably provided as mesh data.For each garment in each size, the garment database 33 stores garmentdata 35. However, it is possible for the garment database 33 to storebasic mesh data for a garment, and for the garment to be adjustedaccording to the user-selected size and proportion(s). The data for eachgarment is created by the artist in order to accurately reflect theappearance, color, material (including reflection), material flow,texture, for example.

FIG. 4 illustrates the model database 31 and virtual garment database 33in connection with an optional environment/action database 39. Theenvironment/action database 39 contains data sufficient to renderscenery, lighting, special effects, and to place the model 1 in motionon the screen. In the preferred embodiment, the environment/actiondatabase 39 contains one or more of the following elements:

-   -   Scenery    -   Lighting    -   Special effects    -   Model motion (scenery, light, textures, sound, music, streaming        video. A script determines the model movement and other action        in the scenery such as waves on a beach birds, etc.)

FIG. 5 illustrates the model 1 with selections different from thatillustrated in FIG. 1, illustrated as rotated 180 degrees. Here, themodel 1 has a size selection control 7 at “small”, proportion selectioncontrol 9 at “A”, skin tone selection control 15 at “dark”, hair colorselection control 17 at “brunette”, and hair length selection control 19at “short.” The clothing selection control 21 has selected “suit” as thegarment 3.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the computer-renderedthree-dimensional mannequin utilized over the internet. Thecomputer-rendered three-dimensional mannequin can be accessed by a localuser 61 or other user with direct communications connection to the host37. The mannequin can also be accessed by a remote user 63 via Internet65, an intranet, a cable modem, or other network access.

Advantageously, the mannequin is incorporated into an interactiveon-line clothing sales catalog. In that instance, the garment database33 is created as described above from clothing offered in the catalog.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the model 1, with action. In thisillustration, the model 1 walks on a catwalk, in accordance with motionlisted in a script.

FIG. 8 is an illustration oldie model 1, within a specifiedaction/environment. Here, the environment is a beach. Note that theenvironment includes motion, such as waves lapping on a shore, and abreeze. A garment 3 illustrated in such an environment would react tothe breeze, and to the motion of the model. The model would move in theenvironment in accordance with a script.

FIGS. 9A-B are an illustration of the personalized computer-renderedmodel of a person in a specified action/environment, with varying cameraangles. Here, the model 1 is illustrated in a discotheque. The firstcamera angle as shown in FIG. 9A is a close up front view. The secondcamera angle as shown in FIG. 9B is a rear flyover camera angle. Othercamera angles could be provided. The model 1 is clearly 3-dimensional.

Reference is made again to FIG. 1. The computer-renderedthree-dimensional mannequin is utilized by a user as follows. Initially,the system displays a default model 1, and selection and featurecontrols 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21. In the preferred embodiment,the default model 1 has intermediate size and proportions, with nomotion, action or garment selected, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Thedefault model alternatively could be set, for example, to any othercombination of sizes, proportions, clothing, etc; or could be set usinga cookie to a prior model utilized by the user.

Utilizing the selection and feature controls 7, 9, 11, 1, 15, 17, 19 and21, in no particular order the user personalizes the model 1. The userselects one of several sizes using the size selection control 7; andselects one of several proportions using the proportion selectioncontrol 9. Although the illustrated embodiment provides proportionselection control only for cup size, alternative or additionalproportions may be provided for, as discussed above. If desired, theuser selects one of several features via the feature controls 15, 17, 19for skin tone, hair color and hair length. Preferably, as each selectionis made by the user, the model 1 is automatically modified to reflectthe selection.

The user utilizes the clothing selection control 21 to select one ofseveral garments that may be “worn” by the model 1. The clothingselection control 2 also provides for a garment selection of “none”, inwhich the model 1 is unclothed. When utilized in connection with anon-line or interactive catalog, the clothing selection control 21provides a selection of garments corresponding to those garmentsavailable from the catalog or manufacturer. Where there are numerousgarments, a more detailed user interface should be provided to select anappropriate garment, garment color, etc. from the catalog.

The user rotates the model 1 utilizing the rotational selection control5.

In order to observe the model 1 (and garment) in motion, the userselects the motion selection control 11. The model 1 is then displayedin motion on the computer screen, following a pre-set pattern of motion.In order to observe the model 1 (and garment if selected) in action andin an environment, the user selects the action control 13. There areprovided several actions and environments. In the preferred embodiment,the action and environment corresponds to the garment selected by theuser; thus, when the user selects the action selection control 13, theaction is automatically selected to correspond to the garment selectedby the user. While an environment/action is selected, the user mayselect one of several camera angles for observing the model in action.

The user may change the garment on the model by selecting the garmentselection control 21. Similarly, the user may adjust the size,proportions or feature selections by selecting one of the controls 7, 9,15, 17, 19.

Although the model as illustrated and discussed is a female model, itwill be appreciated that the principles herein readily could be appliedto a male model or a child model.

The system could be provided to a local user, on a central system.Alternatively, the garment data and/or model data could be stored on adisk, and provided to a user on a periodic basis (for example as acatalogue)]; with the controlling software provided on a central systemaccessible to the user via communications. Alternatively, the systemcould be made available via a multiple-user communications system, suchas the internet.

While the preferred mode and best mode for carrying out the inventionhave been described, those familiar with the art to which this inventionrelates will appreciate that various alternative designs and embodimentsfor practicing the invention are possible, and will fall within thescope of the following claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A system for displaying garments, comprising: acomputer in communication with a database, the computer configured fordisplaying: a computer-rendered three-dimensional, rotatable model; anda size selection control for selecting at least one of a plurality ofsizes, the sizes to be applied to the model; a rotation selectioncontrol for rotating the model to observe different aspects of thegarment as worn by the model; and an appearance feature selectioncontrol for selecting one of a plurality of appearance features, aselected one of the appearance features to be applied to the model, theplurality of appearance features tailoring appearance of the model suchthat the model resembles a particular person.